Book Sections

How to help amphibians Speak Out Community Green Plans Wetland Restoration
HELP! - Problems and concerns brought to our attention through letters from homeowners.
Wetland tales / Literature
Word Games
Art Activities
Science Activities
Additional Activities

Photo Gallery I Photo Gallery II
Glossary
Appendix

Background information

Where to build your pond    -   Toad ponds    -   Woodland ponds    -   Farm ponds How big and how deep Shape Concrete, fiberglass or clay ponds?

Flexible pond liners Digging your pond Overflow Water source Maintenance The Mitchell Pond

How to attract amphibians to your pond    -   Norway Maple: threat to natural areas?    -   Other amphibian shelters How to attract other wildlife to your backyard    -   Metro Toronto Zoo bat box programme

Frog-Friendly Backyard

One of the most rewarding methods of increasing the natural value and visual appeal of your property is to construct a water garden. A water garden with flowering marsh plants and water lilies is a very attractive focal point. If designed properly, your water garden will allow you to observe the life cycle of plants, invertebrates and amphibians.

After you have fully researched and designed your wetland habitat, the next step is to start building it. The best pond would simply form after a scrape is made in the ground. When the water table is reached water will pool into the pond and remain at the level of the local water table which may fluctuate with rain or drought. However, most water tables are too deep and ponds rely on meltwater or rains to maintain levels. If the soil in your area does not contain clay, then you will need an impervious layer to hold the pond water. Pre-molded fibreglass, concrete, clay or flexible pool liners can be used to hold pond water. In previous sections we've discussed wetland restoration. The following sections deal primarily with ponds constructed with liners.